Admitting he was corrupt paid off for former U.S. Border Patrol agent Eduardo Rivas, who was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison.

From the moment of his arrest, Rivas acknowledged his wrongdoing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier said. In May, he went beyond that and gave a voluntary interview to Immigration and Naturalization Service officials seeking to know the causes of corruption.

U.S. District Judge Cindy Jorgenson noted Rivas' exceptional acceptance of responsibility for his crimes in giving a sentence far below the 13 years he might originally have received. However, she also said he has damaged the reputation of the Border Patrol, and her sentence was higher than the six-year minimum.

"I hope you also understand the incredible harm you did to law enforcement," Jorgenson said.